Teacup Chihuahua – 8 Facts About This Dog

Dogs are popular pets for many people today, and there is a wide variety of dog breeds available for anyone who wants a dog as a pet especially the Teacup Chihuahua dog breed. Small-sized dogs are some of the favorite dog pets for dog lovers since their diminutive size makes them cute as well as cuddly, and it is important to know the various facts about these Teacup Chihuahuas.

1. What is Chihuahua Dog?

Chihuahuas are one of the smallest breeds of dogs in the world, and they are named after the Mexican state of Chihuahua. The Teacup Chihuahuas are also their kin though they smaller in size compared to their Chihuahua cousins.

Chihuahua dogs have two distinct varieties: the Smooth short-haired coats and the long-haired Long Coats. Another division among Chihuahuas and Teacup Chihuahuas is about the shape of their heads. There is the “deer head” Chihuahuas and the “apple head” Chihuahuas. The apple head Chihuahuas are more popular than the deer heads due to their superior lineage. Chihuahuas comes in any color combination ranging from splashed or solid to marked. One can see solid black, solid white, spotted or sabled variations of their coat colors and pattern. The most common coat colors are black, fawn, white, red, brown, cream and chocolate. No pattern or color is superior and valuable than another pattern of color

The dog’s temperament often depends on the genetic character of its forebears and its owner. Chihuahuas with short tempers are easily provoked making them unsuitable for small children. A Chihuahua with a good personality will be loyal and protective of a person especially if they are managed properly by older children. The dog has a “clannish” attitude when it comes to other dog breeds and would prefer to mix with its fellow Chihuahuas or even a Teacup Chihuahua. These dogs are fond of pillows, blankets, and clothes hampers. They will often burrow into them making them into dens. They prefer the under of covers, under or beneath a bed bottom. From time to time Chihuahuas enjoy exposure to the sunlight.

2. What kind of a dog is a Teacup Chihuahua?

Chihuahuas that are called Teacup Chihuahuas are smaller sized versions of the original dog, and it is also an American term to describe the size of the dog. These Teacups are named after the fact that they can fit inside a teacup. They are also called Toy Chihuahuas by some people.

Teacup Chihuahua puppies, when born, are tiny and can also fit inside a teacup, but in time, they will grow out of their size when they reach adulthood. Bear in mind that Chihuahuas are considered as Teacups are adult dogs in spite of their small size. Teacup Chihuahua puppies that are undernourished (intentionally or not) will not grow to their full size. To meet the requirements of being called a Teacup, a Chihuahua must be full-grown and have reached their maximum size. The Toy Chihuahua dogs and Teacup Chihuahua puppies must be handled gently and delicately by their owners due to their size. Because of their small sizes, they often will be a target for other animals much larger than them, so it is wise to keep an eye on them when they go out.

3. The Teacup Chihuahua’s history

The Chihuahua’s origins are long lost to time. There many theories about its origins but the truth of the matter are unknown. However, archeological finds and folklore indicate that the Teacup Chihuahua breed (or rather their progenitors) came from Mexico. A common theory on the dog breeds’ origin is that they are descended from the Techichi dog. The Techichi dog was a favored companion pet of the Toltecs, and evidence of their relationship is found depicted on the various pottery and statues that the Toltec civilization left behind. More evidence that gives this theory credence comes from the wheeled dog toys that show the “deer head” and the “apple head” Chihuahuas. Some of them seem to resemble the modern-day Teacup Chihuahua (though their size may not be the same), and these wheeled dog toys were found all across Mesoamerica.

The Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortez, who came to Mexico in 1520, saw these dogs breed that is now owned by the Aztecs. He mentions in his letter to his king that the Aztecs use the dog as a food source. Apparently, they are raised by breeders and sold in the market. The dog breed was plentiful in the region that is known today as Chihuahua. In life, the ancestors of the Teacup Chihuahua dog breed was used as food, but in death, they make good companions. When an Aztec dies, it is customary to cremate the body along with a dog. The dog is said to accompany the soul of the deceased and help him/her pass the Underworld to the soul’s final destination. Today the Chihuahua and the Teacup Chihuahua dog breed are used pet companions rather than food source much like what the relationship between the ancient Toltecs and the Techichi dog breed.

4. What is the Teacup Chihuahua’s lifespan length?

On an average, the Chihuahua lifespan is up to 12 and 20 years. It is possible to extend the Chihuahua lifespan by making sure that its health is good. Most dogs have a short lifespan, but when compared to a Chihuahua lifespan the Chihuahua can have a long life.

5. The various health problems of a Teacup Chihuahua dog.

One thing that cannot be avoided in a Chihuahua is the ever-present problems of health that the dog will experience. Here is a listing of those health problems:

Hydrocephalus – A common health problem even among other toy dog breeds. A Chihuahua dog who have this problem are lethargic and possess an abnormally large head while having a slow growth compared to its siblings.

Collapsed trachea – Caused by the weakening or incomplete formation of a Chihuahua’s cartilaginous rings in its trachea. The condition is either acquired or congenital. Other small dog breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier, Pomeranian, Maltese Pug, Toy Poodle, Lhasa Apso and Shih Tzu are affected with this problem.

Pulmonic stenosis – When the dog’s blood outflow from its heart’s right ventricle is being obstructed, then this is the result.

Molera – A molera is a soft spot found in the skull of an apple-head Chihuahua. The Teacup Chihuahua breed is the dog breed born with this condition. A molera is not a defect but a normal adaptation since it facilitates the pup’s passage through a birth canal as well as helping the growth and development o the puppy’s skull. As the Chihuahua ages, the molera will eventually close, but during the first six months, great care must be done to ensure the animal does not suffer from a head injury. In some cases, the molera will close incompletely.

Hypoglycemia – Also known as low blood sugar. Signs of this problem are neck muscle spasms, fainting, seizures, sleepiness, lethargy, unfocused eyes, uncoordinated walking, and head pulling back and to the side. This particular health problem can be solved by using a simple sugar supplement like honey, Nutri-Cal, and Karo syrup.

Obesity – Often a result of overfeeding from the Teacup Chihuahua’s owner. Discretion must be used as to how much food the dog must be feed.

Susceptible to cold – The Teacup Chihuahua dog will shiver or tremble when exposed to cold weather. This factor can affect the short-haired Chihuahua significantly. The dog may need to wear a sweater and boots during cold weather. Other means to keep them warm are the sunshine, on furniture, under blankets and human laps.

Eye infection or injury – This happens to Chihuahuas with protruding eyes since they will experience watering as a response to air-borne allergens, dry air, and dust.

The health problems of a Teacup Chihuahua are not hard to mitigate or prevent. Some can be dealt with by simple methods the more dangerous ones can be handled by a good vet.

6. The weight and size of a Teacup Chihuahua

There is no standardized measurement for a Teacup Chihuahua dog, but in general terms, the height of the dog is between 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm). Still there are Chihuahuas that are 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 cm) tall though it is debatable if they could be considered as Teacup or Toy Chihuahuas. Regarding weight, a Chihuahua is a 2.7 kg (6 lbs), and this is a requirement for confirmation.

7. Can a Teacup Chihuahua be trained?

Training this dog is breed can either be easy or hard depending on what kind of training you intend to do to the dog. To make things easier, it is best that you start training the dog when you bring him home. Teach the Chihuahua to do rights in the right ways. The important things you need to teach your pet is potty training and not to bark sharply at everything. Instill in your Chihuahua that doing potty inside the house is a bad thing and the same time makes it get used to the habit of doing potty outside the house. As the barking, the same thing applies. Let the dog learn that you will not tolerate any excessive barking. Be firm but gentle in your training method.

Teaching the dog respect towards its owner (that’s you) can very helpful in the long run since this make other training methods easier. This aspect makes the Chihuahua obedient to your command especially when it comes to behaving or toning down its unseemly behavior. Socialization is another good training method. At best a Teacup Chihuahua is reserved when meeting strangers or other dogs, at worst it can be outright hostile. By socializing the dog, it will become more friendly and accepting. You could also teach your dog to overcome its separation anxiety. Separation anxiety happens when the dog is left alone in the house with no one to keep it company. A Chihuahua, who experiences separation anxiety, will bark a lot and chew things around the house. Finally, when training discipline on your Teacup Chihuahua be sure that you are not too harsh or too soft. Be strict with the dog, and its fear instead of respect you, be soft on it, and you get one spoiled pet who will not obey you.

8. How much does a Teacup Chihuahua cost?

A puppy can cost from $700 USD to $1500 USD. Yes, it is quite expensive, but then again you’re getting a high-quality pet. A warning, though; make sure that you buy a from a reliable and certified breeder of Teacup Chihuahua puppies since it is guaranteed that they are selling the real thing. You can be assured that the puppy has no other extra health problems (sans the ones listed in the topic: “The various health problems of a Teacup Chihuahua dog”) or any deformities for that matter.

Aside from the usual problems owning as well as caring a Teacup Chihuahua is fun. With their cute small size and funny, comical as well as an entertaining personality the Chihuahua is one of the best kinds of dog to own as a pet. Just make sure that you love and care for the dog without spoiling it.

Comments

The shelters are filled with these little pups. I think people think of them as cute toys and don’t realize they need caring for just like any dog with lots of love, training, etc. You have some great articles about caring for small dogs here. So important to know how to care for your dog before you get one.

I lost my toy chihuahua 4/24/2017. I’m still struggling with her loss. I got her from the local humane society. She only had 2 teeth, there was no history on her so the vet had to guess her age (8-10yrs). She died very suddenly from heart failure. I knew she had a bad heart, but you couldn’t tell because of her upbeat, feisty personality. I suffer daily without her. I want to rescue another one but can’t find one

Beth….where do you live.?….. Someone dropped a miniture chihuahua on our doorstep 2 days ago… We have to many dogs. .. This is yours if you want it.. It is a male dark brown with dark stripe down its back… Do not know how old or anything else about it Frank

hi there, i am looking for another tea cup chi, preferably a rescue. I already have two males, one is a deer head, 8yrs old,not neutered and the other is a apple head tea cup,male and fixed,14yrs old. I guess depending on where you are, i hope to hear back. Im in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada,….email is…[email protected]. I am hoping this reply reaches you and i hear back…..thanks much Jackie

Beth I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart for your lost I just lost my baby three weeks ago The pain is unbearable she was my best friend my reason for breathing I am looking to find dogs in need to be loved. If you know info please contact me names Kayla [email protected].

Thank you . I have a rescue long haired chihuahua. He is big for the breed at 12 pounds. He is a feisty delight! I hit him st 7 months and he is now 3. Always rescue never buy from puppy farm or pet store !!!

THANK YOU! I’ve been saying this for years (before Google!) and people are finally starting to believe me after 30 years of owning Chihuahuas! I just want slap the people writing this crap and assisting all those scam breeding puppy mills! Makes my blood boil! Thanks for posting! Clearly you’re one of the good ones! Keep ejukatin the dummies! Sheesh.

you should also bring up scams i got scamed for about 2.000 now im short on funds to buy a new or adoupt . people should take NOTE they are out there and find out whom ever your dealing with! thx alice lafromboise [email protected]

You are wrong Delores. Tea cup Chihuahua is a nickname for Apple head and deer chihuahuas. There weight does not exceed 6 lbs (unless you overfeed them). I owned 2 apple head ‘teacups”. I recently had to put one to sleep due to heart problems. She was almost 14.

We call them tea cup chihuahuas only bc its just a cute name for them….thats alll, no reason to be upset, its not like its a negative thing being called tea cup or toys, im sure we all know that they arent actually toys,only an idiot would see them as toys an not a living being…..no reason to be upset over this simple cute reference for a tiny dog okay….as for the rest of your comment, i agree with you %100. take care

Thank you all for your comments.If you would like a teacup ,go to your kichen cabinet!!These Chihuahus are a TOY breed.There is no such Chi breed as a “teacup.”It is a designer name. The Toys are very delicate and should be bred by responsible breeders with association and registration with AKC and accredited Chihuahua dogs..Yes,some can be very EXPENSIVE! Do your research,call AKC for reputable breeders.Sometimes,you can find a Chi who has champion blood lines, but don’t always qualify for show.They will be for a lower fee.Be sure you have papers that quarentee the pup has not inherited eye ,heart defects , or subluxating patellas.Ok,really…I DON’T KNOW ALL there is to know about these wonderful companions,but don’t fall for the backyarders.If Only it were illegal.This is how they pay their bills if they are on “disability!”Then these poor,loyal and loving dogs are bred out and discarded to shelters.Yes,they need homes,too!(We saved two amazing chis).On the other hand,there are alot of home breeders who care very much about their new pups, and raise them with a lot of love and care. Some will only breed 2or3 times a year for quality, healthy pups. This is why they may cost more.THANK YOU VERY MUCH for reading my comments.Make the decisions you think are right for giving a chi a happy home.

I have 5 chihuahua , a chi x yorkie and a chi x dachund and recently bought a tiny chihuahua baby .. shes 19 week and weighs ..580g .. she is a smootbcoat called Elsa … this post has been helpful to me . As all ny other dogs are a good generous weight . Elsa is my first tiny . I wouldnt be without any of my chi babies x each have their own personality .. are lovable and loyal x

Just a heads up. The author of this article is incorrect. “Teacups” are not a breed. This is name given by breeders to smaller than usual chihuahuas. They know labelling their dogs as “teacups” will bring in more cash. Some claim the puppy is a “teacup” and then it grows into a ten pound chihuahua. There is no such thing as a “teacup” breed of chihuahua.

Purchasing my first small Chihuahua. Going to weigh 2.5 pounds . Just trying to find out if this not a good idea. My friend said they have alot of health issues. Ive read pores an cons. Looking for some feedback.

My little Penelope is 6 years old and weighs 3 lbs. She has been my best friend since she was born! She hasn’t had a sick day in her life. Anyone or any animal can have health problems but as long as you do your part in providing a happy, healthy and safe home, problems, IF ANY, will be minimal and you will love him/her so much it wont matter! Besides, YOU could be the one that ends up with health problems (although I hope not), and I can promise you that your little friend will love you through every minute of every day. My little Penelope is the best thing that has come into my life and yours will be too! Good luck and love him/her with all your heart!

My chihuahua is a little over 2 pounds. When people ask if she is a teacup I always tell them there is no such thing. Regarding temperment, she never bites, never barks and is all about loving and snuggling, unlike the stereotypes I’ve heard about Chihuahuas. She is healthy. I just have to make sure she is always in a safe environment because of her size.

I am very interested in a Chi puppy. I have a female that is 2 years old and I want her to have a sibling. I need one that will be 4lb or under. I am not worried about papers as this will be just a baby for me and a sibling for my AbbyThanks

I have a small chihuahua girl, born 5-28-17. Im trying to find her a home if anyone is interested , selling her for $1200 obo. She apple head short hair. Like a dirty blond color. Super sweet. Trying to potty train her right now.

We had 2 chihuahuas,we lost Taco last October,she was 17. And we lost Chichi a month ago, she was 16. They were our hearts,and we miss them dearly but have so many wonderful memories. We are wanting to adopt a small chihuahua,but not sure where to start, Sonja, where are you located?

Sharon Blake I have had 4 longhair Apple Head Chihuahua’s Dogs from 1980 to now 2017. .My little chihuahua is 3lbs now, she was 1.5 lbs.. when I got her at 8weeks old. Sabrina is still alive,she is like a child to us.she is kept warm and goes to the bathroom in her paper, in her little box,also out side ,I always take her to gothe bathroom.I watch for halks & Ciotie. .She is a good dog, she loves to be cuttled and sleeps in are water bed,& on her pouches on the couch..That I have made her..Sabrina is 17 years old now. I will always love Chihuahua ‘s.

So many chi’s are dieing in our local high kill shelters in southern California. No such thing as a teacup chi. It is just a name backyard breeders have given to try and make $$$. Then they dumped the dogs that no longer produce. Adopt and don’t shop. Save a life spay and neutere your animals.

My Teacup is nearly 4 pounds, and loved by all. Everywhere she goes she steals the show, and takes the attention away from any number of dogs near by, this makes other dog owners feel envious, and jealous, so they will say things like, ” I don’t like small dogs”, Or “there is no such thing as a teacup”. No matter!, my teacup brings joy to all who see her. It’s her gift.

My first pet was a Chihuahua and I loved her so much that the only thing that made me feel better after she passed away was writing every memory I had of our time together. It’s actually a published book now. She was feisty, playful, fun and the best buddy ever. The Chihuahua I have now is so very different – he LOVES people and dog parks…It’s so funny how, just like people, each dog’s personality is so very different…and 100% loveable!

I have my little puppy that still don’t weigh a pound. I also got a 90 pound American Staffordshire Terrier. The Amstaff is a rescue. The little puppy was giving as a friend for the bigger dog he loves little dogs.

I bought my wife a teacup chihuahua. She is 6 years old and very lovable. When we come home she will jump up on our leg and be whining and it sounds like she is saying mama and daddy and i love daddy. It is so cute. We love her alot. She is one of our kids. Our pomeranian/fox terrier loves her as well. They are spoiled rotten. Best money spent.

We (my husband & I) are retired with no human children in our household. We have a 2 year old purebred teacup long haired chihuahua, named Elle, that weighs 3lbs. She is very ready to be a mommy! Having problems finding a smaller male to breed her with! Any assistance locating a prospective male chihuahua, under 3 lbs would be greatly appreciated. We live in Slidell, Louisiana. Elle is tri-colored.

I lost my 15 year old last August on National Dog Day. He was a long hair, white, apple head Chihuahua named Studley. He was my best friend and akways in good health until about 3 years ago when he would have occasional seizures. He was in medication and doing fine that morning. He suddenly had a severe seizure and died in my arms. I now have a rescue Chihuahua, deer head and long hair. 4 years old. I miss Studley so much and get sad still about losing him. But when you rescue a dog they show their love and loyalty almost immediately. They know you saved them. Please rescue your pets when possible. There are plenty of all breeds who are dying for a good loving home. RIP Studley. I know I will see you again one day.

Hi , Are Mini/Teacup Chis. generally good with cats . Our little kitty is afraid of everything ! We have tried a few dogs we thought would work out , so far no luck . It breaks our hearts to have to return them but it wouldn’t be fair not to since our kitty was here first & we don’t want her quality of spoiledness to suffer ! ( Poor thing hides under the Grandfather clock until the offender is gone ! ) Last time even our big kitty didn’t like the dog !That dog would pee in the house no matter how many walks he got & our kitty went behind him & pooped ! We got the message ! Also where is a good shelter or rescue for these pups in the Phx. Az area ? I heard some were rescued from a local Hoarder last week & need homes . I’m a bit concerned they might have issues though due to malnourishment , etc. . And don’t know if they have been trained or socialized much . How do you feel about kenneling them ? Like when we’re out & they are not going along . I wouldn’t mind a mix so long as there was a mild , non-aggressive temp . & I don’t want a Barkahaulic !

I was thinking of a puppy but not a deal breaker . Should we bring our kitty along to meet the dog or better to bring the dog briefly to the house before deciding ? Because we might not get a true impression of how our kitty feels since she’ll be stressed out over being out & about !

I just wanna say to those of you who get uptight over people using the term tea cup…..we use tea cup because its just a cute and silly way of describing the cute and silly tiny dogs, thats all it is. So there is no reason to scold the people who choose to use tea cup when describing these dogs. Whats the harm in this word? I think its absolutely adorable to think of them as tea cup and i dont care if its an actual recognised term of description or not but the fact is that they are all just so tiny and lovable…..tea-cup or soup cup-or measuring cup…..its all the same in the end. Just tiny and cute. Enough said…..

I have a teacup chihuahua boy called gizmo he is 8m old and weighs 1.4kg he is not snappy at all and gets on with our two cats he loves babies and children. He is house trained now and goes to dog training you can see he’s very intelligent. He’s not too keen on other dogs but ok with them and shy at first with strangers he loves to play and loves snow he’s funny and affectionate and never leaves my side for long. Everyone makes a fuss of him where ever we go. The vet referred to him as a teacup!

We have a male black and brown teacup sized Chi named Nacho who is now 18 years old. Our little buddy has always been between 4 to 6 pounds, he has lost all of his teeth, his eyesight now, is a little hard of hearing, and due to his teeth being gone, his lower jaw has rescinded back almost halfway which allows his tongue to hang out most of the time. We baby him, bathe him only when he needs it due to his age now, and we put a heating pad set on low over a bath towel when he is in his bed to give him some warmth for those aching bones now. We got him around 6 years of age from someone who had large dogs back around 2005, and he has been a trooper for our 3 boys who have now all grown, and are out of the house living their own lives now. He still eats well, drinks his water, and although losing a little bit of bowel control now, we are slowly seeing him getting to the point whereas we will probably have to let him go soon. His spine is becoming arched, but he isn’t showing any signs of pain or not being able to walk on his own. My wife and I have told each other that when he stops being a dog, is the time that we must make the right decision for this little guy who has given this family so much love over many years. The longevity a Chi has is truly amazing, and after we have had labs most of our lives, and now a 3 year old Border Collie who we had gotten as a puppy in 2015, Nacho has always ruled the roost at our house. These little dogs have the heart of a lion when provoked, and if you live in the country area like we now do, away from the city, the only thing you have to watch out for are birds of prey with a teacup size Chi. But what a dog. Over the years we have taken many photos with him with our family, and he will definitely be missed in our house when it does come that time.